Trails for All Abilities: Short Easy Hikes and Wheelchair Accessible Paths around Crescent City and Del Norte County, California
1. Tolowa Dunes State Park Kellogg Loop Trail in Crescent City
Trail Distance: 5.3 mile loop
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Elevation Gain: 180 ft
Amble through a peaceful forest and Pacific coastal dunes. This easy trail gives you a variety of landscapes plus bird watching and fungi spotting. Keep the exploring and “awe-ing” going with 20 more miles of trails and 11 miles of shoreline throughout the California state park.
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2. Enderts Beach Overlook in Crescent City
Trail Distance: 1 mile out and back
Wheelchair Accessible: Not on the trail itself down to the beach, but the Crescent Beach Overlook can be accessed by wheelchair users.
Elevation Gain: 200 ft
Google location: https://www.google.com/maps/dir//41.7056686,-124.1427297/@41.7054864,-124.1569843,14z/data=!4m2!4m1!3e0?hl=en
Gaze over jagged ocean cliffs without much climbing. You’ll stroll through a mini forest before a short descent to Enderts Beach. Make sure you have sturdy shoes to admire the enchanting tidepools. From the parking lot, you also have another short wheelchair-friendly trail option to Crescent Beach Overlook with a stunning view of the Pacific from a wooden platform.
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3. Drive Howland Hill Road through Jedediah Smith State Park
Trail Distance: 6 miles one way
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Elevation Gain: 650 ft
Google location: https://visitdelnortecounty.com/attractions/howland-hill-road-and-stout-grove/
For the crowning glory of scenic drives, cruise down the single lane Howland Hill Road through Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. This road actually predates the park, built as a stagecoach route in the 1880s. Get up close and personal with giant redwood trees as you wind around lush greenery under a lush green canopy. There are several trails along the way if you need some air. Note trailers and RVs are not advised down this thin slice of paradise.
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4. Trees of Mystery in Klamath
Trail Distance: varies from .5 to 1 mile
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft (by gondola ride!)
Everyone can drink up the ancient beauty of the redwoods at the Trees of Mystery. Choose any of their accessible trails that weave around interpretive signs and spectacular tree formations. Float through the thick forest canopy on the SkyTrail tram ride. This accommodating gondola transports all abilities to an observation deck revealing magnificent ocean vistas and sprawling wilderness.
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5. Shoreline of South Beach in Crescent City
Trail Distance: Your choice!
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes – Get more info on beach wheelchair rental
Elevation Gain: none
Google location:
Stroll, roll or just watch the sun sink past the Pacific Ocean. South Beach is a large sandy beach with jetties that shield the water from rough ocean waves. Check out the surfers and paddle boarders or have your own fun with some kite flying, bird watching or splashing in the gentle waves. Revel in the salt air with three miles of uninterrupted shoreline all the way to Crescent Beach.
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6. Simpson-Reed Trail in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Trail Distance: .7 mile loop with additional .3 mile extension to Peterson Memorial Trail
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Elevation Gain: none
Google location: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Simpson-Reed+Trail/@41.8125622,-124.1088977,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x7cae439f3caeec4d!8m2!3d41.8125622!4d-124.1088977
Escape to a lush jungle with a low impact path that allows you to really nestle into nature. The Simpson-Reed Trail winds around the crystal waters of the Smith River and through redwood groves. Greenery covers everything in this ancient forest.
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7. Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail in Redwood National Park
Trail Distance: 1.4 mile lollipop
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Elevation Gain: 100 feet
Wander through a ferny wonderland. Lady Bird Johnson Grove was named for the former U.S. first lady who was a committed environmental activist. The unique higher elevation of this trail gives you broader views to appreciate the old growth. Visit in May and early June for bursts of rhododendron color.
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8. Big Tree Wayside in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Trail Distance: 200 yards
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Elevation Gain: none
Google location: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Big+Tree+Wayside/@41.3736035,-124.0135907,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xa4af620f23aaf4a4!8m2!3d41.3736035!4d-124.0135907
A short jaunt down a paved path reveals a forest of ancient giants. Prominently featured is the “Big Tree,” a 1,500-year-old resident that towers 350 feet above you. Let your curiosity lead you around a few other quick trails to take in more of the redwoods.
Wander through a ferny wonderland. Lady Bird Johnson Grove was named for the former U.S. first lady who was a committed environmental activist. The unique higher elevation of this trail gives you broader views to appreciate the old growth. Visit in May and early June for bursts of rhododendron color.
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9. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Day Use Area
Trail Distance: .5 to 1 mile
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Elevation Gain: 100 feet
Plan to play all day at this day use area. Listen to the rushing wild and scenic Smith River as you picnic under giant redwoods. There are plenty of accessible tables and grills. Amble along the soft dirt of Nature Loop or Beach River Trails and enjoy a rest on the sandy shore.
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10. Darlingtonia Trail
Trail Distance: .3 mile loop
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Elevation Gain: none
Discover a delicately dangerous flower that grows from a murky bog. The California pitcher plant (Darlingtonia californica) is a rare carnivorous plant found only in Northern California and Southern Oregon. Study the plant closely and you may see an insect crawl in and never escape. Though not as lurid as the pitcher plant, there is plenty of other lush vegetation to admire along the way.
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11. Myrtle Creek Trail (Located Between Hiouchi and Gasquet)
Trail Distance: 2 miles out-and-back
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Elevation Gain: 350 ft
Location: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/myrtle-creek-trail
Once a place for gold mining, other botanical-type treasures can still be found here. Meander around vibrant wildflowers along a burbling stream. This low impact trail also features interpretive signs detailing the history of the area, including mining, geologic, and cultural information.
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12. Patrick Creek Trail in Gasquet
Trail Distance: .25 one way
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Elevation Gain: none
Location: Once you past the town of Gasquet on Hwy 199 (towards Grants Pass), look for mile-post 22 and park in the Patrick Creek Picnic Area
Enjoy a stroll down a paved path between Patrick Creek Lodge and Patrick Creek Campground. Be sure to spend time on both ends of the trail. The historic Patrick Creek Lodge has a cozy bar and restaurant and a wonderful Sunday brunch. Meander around the campground, listening to the rushing confluence of Smith River’s middle fork and Patrick Creek. Admire the intricate stonework built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
13. Stony Creek Trail in Gasquet
Trail Distance: 1 mile out and back
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Elevation Gain: 50 feet
Go for a quick yet rewarding shady jaunt on Stony Creek Trail off the Gasquet Toll Road. Sniff out vibrant vegetation including azaleas, carnivorous Darlingtonias and wild berries. Savor the secluded rushing creek or take a short climb for a view of canyon cliffs above the north fork of the Smith River.
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14. McClendon Ford Trail from Gasquet
Trail Distance: 3.1 mile out and back
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Elevation Gain: 580 feet
Find peace along this quiet trail through old-growth groves with a thick carpet of fern covering the ground. Note you’ll start on the same path as South Kelsey Trail; keep left at the fork to remain on the McClendon Ford Trail. Take a break on the sandy beach and cool your feet in the emerald pool that marks the end of the trail.
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